As the federal government shutdown continues, with no resolution in sight, the focus has shifted to the Senate where efforts to break the impasse are ongoing. Republicans control the Senate, but they need the support of at least eight Democratic senators to pass a measure that would end the shutdown. As it stands, they have only three votes from Democrats—Senators John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, and Angus King of Maine. The remaining Democrats are holding firm, demanding specific concessions, particularly related to health care funding, in order to support the reopening of the government.
With negotiations stalled and no real talks taking place between Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., attention has turned to rank-and-file senators who could play a pivotal role in ending the shutdown. As the House cancels its sessions for the upcoming week, all eyes are on the Senate, where three key Democratic senators are seen as critical to finding a way forward. These senators are Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Jon Ossoff of Georgia, and Brian Schatz of Hawaii.
Here’s a closer look at these key senators and their potential influence in the current shutdown crisis.
Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) – A Veteran of Appropriations and Shutdowns
Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire is in a unique position to influence the ongoing negotiations. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for drafting government funding bills, Shaheen has a deep understanding of the legislative process and the urgency of avoiding shutdowns. She has been an advocate for preventing government shutdowns throughout her tenure, and her voting history reflects that stance.
Notably, Shaheen was one of the few Democrats to vote for a Republican-led bill in March 2025 that successfully avoided a government shutdown, alongside Senator Angus King. Her support for the bill made her one of the few Democrats to cross party lines in favor of a deal that kept the government open.
Additionally, Shaheen is the lead sponsor of the Democratic bill aimed at making permanent the Obamacare subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of the year. This issue is a central point of contention in the current standoff, with Democrats demanding an extension of these subsidies as part of any agreement to reopen the government. Given her senior role and commitment to health care policy, Shaheen could serve as a crucial figure in bridging the divide between Republicans and Democrats.
What sets Shaheen apart is her political freedom—she is retiring at the end of her current term, which may allow her to make bold decisions without the pressure of re-election. This makes her a key player in potentially breaking the deadlock, as Republicans see her as someone they can negotiate with, given her pragmatic approach to politics.
Shaheen herself has indicated that she believes a compromise is possible. In interviews, she has emphasized the importance of addressing the health care issue, noting public support for extending Obamacare subsidies and arguing that there is broad bipartisan interest in addressing this challenge.
Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) – A Crucial Vote in a Competitive State
Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia, the only Democrat seeking re-election in a state that voted for Donald Trump in 2024, is another senator to watch. As a first-term senator in a politically competitive state, Ossoff has been strategic in navigating the shutdown crisis, maintaining a relatively low profile while carefully considering his options. However, his voting record during the recent government funding debates indicates that he has firmly sided with the Democratic position.
In the last four votes on government funding bills, Ossoff has supported the Democratic proposals, which included extending Obamacare funding and reversing cuts to Medicaid. He has consistently voted against the Republican proposals, which would have resulted in significant cuts to social programs. In explaining his stance, Ossoff said his primary motivation was to prevent massive increases in health insurance premiums for Georgians, warning that Republicans’ proposals would harm his constituents.
Ossoff’s position on the shutdown and health care funding is especially critical because he faces significant pressure from both sides of the aisle. Republicans will undoubtedly try to sway him by emphasizing the need for compromise and blaming Democrats for the shutdown. On the other hand, Ossoff’s re-election campaign in Georgia depends on his ability to navigate these contentious political waters without alienating swing voters or activists from either side. If public sentiment turns against Democrats in the shutdown standoff, Ossoff could face intense pressure to shift his stance and support a deal that would reopen the government.
Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) – A Potential Bellwether for the Democratic Caucus
Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii occupies a unique position within the Democratic Party. A deputy to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Schatz is well-connected within both the Senate Democratic Conference and the party’s progressive base. He is known for his sharp political instincts and his ability to read the mood of the Senate, making him a key figure to watch as the shutdown drama unfolds.
Schatz has been a vocal critic of the current Republican approach to the shutdown. In the lead-up to the crisis, he warned Republicans that their strategy of “jamming” Democrats with one-sided funding bills would not work. Schatz’s critique of Republican tactics came at a time when many Democrats were growing frustrated with the GOP’s refusal to negotiate seriously. He made it clear that any solution would need to include discussions with Democrats and that a deal would not be possible unless Republicans were willing to compromise on key issues like health care funding.
Schatz’s political positioning makes him a potential bellwether for the broader Democratic caucus. If he aligns with a compromise bill, it could signal to other Democrats that it is safe to support the deal. Given that Schatz has a strong relationship with the party’s progressive wing, his support for any deal would likely be seen as a signal that the proposed solution has the backing of both centrist and progressive Democrats.
Schatz’s role as a social media-savvy senator also positions him as a key communicator during this shutdown. His ability to engage with voters online and communicate the party’s position could help shape public opinion and influence how Democrats approach the negotiation process moving forward.
Conclusion: The Road to Resolution
As the shutdown continues with no immediate end in sight, these three senators—Jeanne Shaheen, Jon Ossoff, and Brian Schatz—could play a pivotal role in determining whether a compromise can be reached. With the Senate unable to overcome the filibuster and the House focusing its attention elsewhere, all eyes are on these key figures who could provide the necessary support to break the impasse.
If a deal is to be reached, it will likely require these senators to find common ground between their party’s demands and the Republicans’ conditions. With health care funding, Obamacare subsidies, and Medicaid cuts at the heart of the dispute, these senators’ votes could ultimately determine whether the government reopens or the shutdown stretches on for even longer.
In the coming days, the spotlight will remain on these three senators as they weigh their options and decide whether to support a compromise or hold firm to their positions. The outcome of their decisions will have profound implications not only for the government shutdown but also for the political landscape heading into the 2024 elections.
